An Investigation into the Use of Amharic Language in English Focus EFL Classrooms: Focus on Teachers Colleges in Amhara Region

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to examine English focus students and their EFL teachers’ use of Amharic language in the EFL classrooms of Amhara region selected Teachers colleges. In this study, a mixed research method involving quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection was employed. The study was conducted on 120 representative students drawn from 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd year „English focus‟ total student population and 18 EFL teachers of selected teachers training colleges.  So as to investigate the use of Amharic language (L1) in EFL classrooms, questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations were used.   The findings of the study revealed that Amharic language was used in all colleges ‘English focus’ EFL classrooms for various functions at all.  The findings also deduced that possible support for the use of Amharic language (L1) in the L2 classroom.  Finally, it was recommended that course book writers, syllabus or curriculum designers for the level under study should also make reference to the students' mother tongue wherever appropriate while preparing English language learning, and teaching materials.

Keywords: Amharic Language (L1); Foreign Language; Second Language (L2)

DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/63-02

Publication date: December 31^st 2019